The Venice of the North, Amsterdam's attractions are considerable. Beyond the infamous Red Light District where window-shopping takes on a whole new meaning, and the coffee spots that are more popular for their other wares, Amsterdam is also home to hundreds of great bars and clubs.

Famous for its cycle-friendly streets, scenic canals and smoky coffee shops, Amsterdam also has some of the most intense nightlife in Europe. A huge exporter of dance music, its nigh scene is fittingly live. From industrial warehouses to speakeasy-style bars and trendy cocktail lounges, from bistros, restaurants and casinos to the famous brown cafes where you can watch the stylish locals go by… Whatever your scene, Amsterdam is brim-full of venues built to your taste.

Much of the action is concentrated around two of the city’s main squares, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein, where you’ll find a variety of stylish wine bars, casual pubs, hip cocktail joints and lively nightclubs.

The pulsating heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife, Leidseplein is full-on hipster territory. The area’s got an alternative, urban edge to it, particularly compared to its older sister Rembrandtplein. Here, you’ll find a wider choice of live music venues, and the bustling bars and clubs around Leissedwarstraat are always packed with revelers spilling over on the sidewalks. Trendy, more grown-up haunts can be found around Rembrandtplein, and the area also houses some of the city’s hippest nightclubs. Nearby Jordaan, home to much of Amsterdam’s famous gay nightlife, is also well worth a visit. Its narrow streets and canals are lined with indie boutiques, hip eateries and cozy pubs, as well as plenty of vintage and antique shopping spots and innovative contemporary art galleries.

For a raw, industrial ambiance with driving house beats and hard-partying company in the hundreds, Westergasfabriek out in Sloterdijk is your Amsterdam spot. A bit out of the way of the busy centre, this former gas plant from the late 1800s has been converted into a vast, multifaceted cultural haven, and is now one of the city’s top nightlife spots. Bars, nightclubs, restaurants, movie theatres and art galleries have taken over the complex, where a myriad of events, concerts, festivals and exhibitions are regularly hosted. All around its imposing buildings, the lush green lawns of Westerpark are the perfect spot to relax and recharge before dancing the night away.